“Tyla” by Tyla

Among 2024’s most impressive debuts.

Hello! 😊👋

Welcome to a new edition of the Best Music of All Time newsletter!

Today’s music pick is an album that will be among 2024’s most impressive debuts.

Genre: Afrobeat, Amapiano

Label: FAX

Release Date: March 22, 2024

Vibe: 💃

Talk about a debut that screams “ready for primetime.”

Most casual pop fans will know of Tyla courtesy of her hit single “Water,” a sweet, seductive club jam that earned her some major celebrity co-signs, including Travis Scott, who hopped on the remix and helped it break through to a broader audience. Following a Grammy win for African Music Performance, her self-titled LP makes good on the potential teased in that star-making track. Beyond the floorfiller moments, of which there are several, Tyla’s voice carries this record, equal parts sultry and soulful. It’s not unlike Rihanna or Aaliyah when they first burst onto the scene. The production is slick and polished, but, with all due respect to those behind the board, they’re not the distinguishing factor here. It’s the vibrant personality that bends the instrumentals to her will.

The sweatier, more sex-positive the song, the better the vibes are. “On My Body,” “Truth or Dare,” Priorities,” and “ART,” the latter outlining how Tyla’s body is worthy of an upscale gallery, burst at the seams with irresistible Afropop vibes. But she also proves adept at navigating slower, more tender aesthetics, like on “To Last” and the gorgeous “Butterflies,” both of which leave plenty of room for her vocals to shine. She doesn’t disappoint.

Another telling sign an artist has the charisma and talent to stand on their own is when they outshine the big-name features wedged into the tracklist by an overbearing music conglomerate. Tyla pulls this off effortlessly as well, rising above clunky appearances by Tems and Gunna that, for a few seconds each, threaten to take you out of the experience altogether. This budding star is too good to let that happen. It’s remarkable to hear someone so young, with so much potential, ooze with such style and control. This LP is a must-listen for pop, R&B, and Afrobeat fans alike.

👉 Don’t forget to click the album image to stream the album on your favorite platform 👈